9 Unusual Ways Stress Affects Your Body, According To Science

Several years ago, my husband raced to the emergency room, sure that he was having a heart attack. As it turned out, my young spouse was not, in fact, having a heart attack, but was experiencing stress-induced chest pains. Over the years, I too, have found myself battling mysterious symptoms that seemed to have been triggered by stressful periods in my life. My hair, skin, stomach, and nails have all reacted negatively in times of stress. And those are just some of the many unusual ways stress affects your body, according to science.

Many people know that stress can cause emotional symptoms such as depression and anxiety, but the don't often realize that physical ailments can be associated with stress, as well. You might blame your runny nose on allergies, or your headache on needing new glasses, when these can actually be physical manifestations of stress.

It's important to manage your stress. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) suggests that if you are experiencing symptoms of stress you should consider taking a time out, eating healthier meals, exercising more often, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and getting more rest. If you don't, you may find yourself battling some of these unusual symptoms that can be brought upon by stress.

7. Your Ears Can Start Ringing

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be caused by stress according to Harvard Health Publications. Tinnitus can also cause stress, which makes for a never-ending circle. Patients can try biofeedback, a relaxation technique that helps control stress by changing the body's responses to stress.

9. You Can Develop Persistent Cold Symptoms

According to the New York Times, cortisol (your body's anti-inflammatory stress response) is overproduced in people who are chronically stressed. This causes the immune system to become resistant to the cortisol and cold symptoms linger long after the virus is gone.